Do you think you can draw near to God via shadows, copies, and the old?
You may say Jesus is the only way but how do you live?
Do you think because you have or do certain things that you are close to God? Or do you think that because you fail to possess or do certain things that you are abandoned by God? The law always leads to despair or pride.
Being a Christian is not about voting republican, abstaining from alcohol, keeping your panties on till your married, hating abortion, watching on G-rated / animated Disney movies, owning a Bible and occasionally reading it, regular church attendance, getting Goosebumps during a worship service, holding to a certain creed or confession, listening to mp3 sermons, reading certain authors, wearing a pathetic “Christian” T-Shirt, dressing a certain way, enjoying “clean fun” and potlucks with other Christians, visiting all the cool Christian blogs, writing in a journal and keeping sermon notes, or having walked an aisle and said a formulaic prayer.
No, being a Christian is about Jesus. It’s all about Jesus, it’s always about Jesus, and it’s only about Jesus. Jesus is the only way to draw near. The shadows are only good in pointing toward and helping us understand the reality. The copies are never as valuable as the heavenly realities to which they correspond. And the old has no nostalgic value over the ancient faith which is also new. To have and do without Jesus is to have and do nothing.
Nothing (Without You) By Derek Webb
I’ve got the dress, I’ve got the ring
I’ve got a song that I can sing
I’ve got the bread; I’ve got the wine
But I’ve got the life I left behind
I’ve got everything but I’ve got nothing without youI’ve got the law on my heart
I’ve got your love tearing me apart
I’ve got a vow that I can’t keep
But I’ve got your promise getting me to sleep
I’ve got everything but I’ve got nothing without youI’ve got your works and I’ve got my faith
I’ve got all the wine that you can make
I am the kiss of your betrayer
But I’ve got your grace on every layer
I’ve got everything but I’ve got nothing without you
‘Cause you see it’s all just a show
And you either hate it or you don’t
And only time will tell the difference
If you get it clearly or with interferenceBut I’ve got the race; Got the election
But win or lose I’ve got protection
I found a lobbyist in the devil
And I got salvation in a rebel
I’ve got everything but I’ve got nothing without you
No Other Boast 